Audlem FC get a game

A so lovely day as we prepare to play our match – unexpectedly after the horrendous week we had faced with all those stormy days.

The pitch at The George's Leisure Centre in Crewe was passed fit for play so we set off to face our opponents, Santa Maria.

Santa Maria – as all will know was the name of the flagship of Columbus as he set sail in 1492 – with the company of the Nina and the Pinto – to seek to conquer new lands. And here we are, off to try conquer a team we last played in October and met a defeat of 3-0.

Just eleven of our signed on players turn out, the worst turn out we have had, for one reason or another. With some luck, we signed two new players today so that gave us some chance of strength. New players are Joel Cotterill and James Edgerley. So no choice for Geoff Stretch and James Bebbington of the management team.

Arrive at the George's pitches, a massive area of seven pitches but an awful lot of wet ground. In the end pitch number 1 is selected as the best of a bad job. We are the only game being played here.

Referee Carl Betterley arrives – he of the resplendent mutton chops and stern Victorian values.

Here in Crewe, no church bells in the background but some welcome bird song to give a slight promise of the coming spring. Brilliant sun in a clear blue sky – just a smattering of fluffy cumulus on the fringes of our vision.

Sun slanting across the pitch so no bother for the goalies eyes.
1100 – Kick-off sharp on time.

We in our orange strip and Connor Baxter in goal in his fluorescent yellow. Just into the game and free kicks to Santa Maria, all to no avail.

Good determined play by Joe Benson – growing in his strength as a good player – who crosses to Joel Cotterill who fires into goal but just wide. Three corners in succession for us pulls off great saves by SM goalie.

Play is 50/50 . Some of the passing is a bit wild and misdirected but great passion by both sides. SM attacking now in numbers.

Folks walking their dogs nearby – evidenced by the mess we had to clear away before we began play.

Free kick to us as Jim Davies gets a firm shove in the back. Play on and we drive forward. Great cross is met by James Edgerley who scores!
11.18: 0-1 for us!

Our Skipper, Kev Mort playing out of his skin in defence. He is everywhere and so full of drive. Our opponents now camped in our half as they press our defence very hard – testing us all the while.

Sam O'Hara playing a great game, passes fine ball to Jim Davies as he races into goal – but just too far in front of him.

SM win a fee kick, forced in and glanced into our goal.
1127: 1-1

Wind now strengthening somewhat and in their favour as Connor struggles to get length in his kicks. Good play and control by Sam and we come very close to scoring again.

Connor pulls off two great saves as SM press hard. They are so much on top as we defend well. Their shape very good. Signs do not look good for us as the game goes on and SM really on top.

Good running by Sam still as he probes as much as possible. Connor still facing many shots and making brave saves.

Half Time and still 1-1, so we have survived.

Second Half

The freshening wind now in our favour. Sam tells Geoff his groin hurting – but the magic spray and he carries on.
1152: We give away a penalty.

Player steps up and sends in very strong shot – but it hits the crossbar and bounces clear.
From the restart we drive ahead, James E in for a shot – but wide.

Off the ball, a scrap develops as Kev Rodgers gets down to it with an opponent who had clouted him earlier. Lecture by the Ref. but no booking. Six of one and half a dozen of the other.

12.10: Santa Maria play two subs.
Joe Benson playing well. Kev Mort and Gaz Jones exhorting all with loud voices and directions.

Good run by Sam opens up their defence but a tame shot by Joel easily saved.
Then , they slice through our defence like a knife and score. 2-1!

James Bebbington has to come off with damaged ankle. On goes Rob Lowe. SM getting stronger and at 11.32 they score again. 3-1
Kev Walters off and Alan Brindley on for us. Alan, with a bad back!

Game over.
We should have done better as they were there to be beaten, but Hey Ho. Better than the 3-0 loss we had last time we met.

Our Man of the Match goes to Sam O'Hara.
Our next fixture is at Home to Bank Corner FC on the 2nd March.

Ralph Warburton
AFC Chairman

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